Texas Weather: Tornado Alerts and Chilly Nights Ahead

A tornado was spotted near Canton, Texas, moving northeast around 3:11 p. m. The National Weather Service issued a warning, advising residents to take shelter immediately. This tornado was confirmed to be on the ground near the intersection of FM 17 and FM 1255, according to Captain Pete O’Reilly from the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s office. Fortunately, no injuries were reported by 4:35 p. m. The tornado did not cause significant damage, but it did leave a trail of wind damage to trees, power lines, and a few properties near FM 1255 and State Highway 110. The weather service also issued several tornado warnings across East Texas. Additionally, parts of north central Texas were under a tornado watch until 9 p. m. Friday. This watch alerted residents to the possibility of tornadoes, hail as large as tennis balls, and wind gusts reaching up to 70 miles per hour. Governor Greg Abbott activated more state emergency response resources in response to the severe weather and flash flooding threats across large parts of Texas through the weekend. Earlier in the day, areas northwest of Dallas-Fort Worth were expected to face the greatest severe weather threat until 6 a. m. The main concerns included large hail and damaging winds, with a very low risk of tornadoes. Later in the morning, scattered thunderstorms were expected across much of North Texas between 6 a. m. and noon. In the afternoon, strong to severe thunderstorms were anticipated east of a front near the Interstate 35 corridor, bringing similar hazards. By Saturday night, below-normal temperatures were expected to spread over North and Central Texas, with some areas west of Interstate 35 potentially dipping below freezing on Sunday and Monday mornings. This temperature drop could affect plant owners and lovers, who should take precautions to protect their plants from the cold. There is also a threat of flooding, mainly in northeast Texas, with an active flood watch in effect for portions of the region through 6 a. m. Sunday. For the rest of the weekend, residents can expect cool temperatures and periods of rain. Friday will be cool with periods of rain and thunderstorms, with a severe storm possible. Saturday will bring periods of rain, cloudy and breezy conditions, and cool temperatures. Sunday will start cool with clouds gradually giving way to some sunshine. Monday will be mostly sunny and cool, with temperatures dipping to 38 degrees Fahrenheit overnight. Tuesday will be mostly sunny and comfortable, with temperatures rising to a high of 74 degrees Fahrenheit.